Metro river drilling begins

Geotechnical drilling under the Yarra River has started as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project.

Acting Premier James Merlino and Acting Minister for Public Transport Luke Donnellan announced the start of works on a floating barge that will gather information for the largest public transport project in Victoria’s history.

The drilling will provide critical information about the ground conditions below the river, which will help determine the exact technical specifications of twin tunnels and how they will be built.

The same machines are currently being used to build New York’s Second Avenue Subway project and London’s CrossRail project, and will reduce both the environmental impact on the river and inconvenience for locals, visitors and businesses.

The State Government has already committed $4.5 billion to the Melbourne Metro Rail, with discussions continuing with the Federal Government to provide additional funding for the project.

Acting Premier James Merlino said geotechnical investigations would continue for a number of weeks at various points on the river, ahead of enabling works in 2017 and the start of major construction in 2018.

“Melbourne Metro Rail will create a true underground metro, and unlock the centre of our train system to create space for more trains running more often, every single day,” Mr Merlino said.

Acting Minister for Public Transport Luke Donnellan said the new tunnels under the Yarra would enable 20,000 extra passengers to catch the train during peak hours.

“After four wasted years under the previous Liberal Government, who abandoned Melbourne Metro Rail, we’re getting on with the projects that Victorian’s need,” Mr Donnellan said.